This is Lauren Gilbert contacting you. I would
like to inform you of my father's burial service on May 23rd at Arlington
Cemetery at 11:00am. His ashes and my mother's ashes will be laid
in the ground following a short military service with a Navy preacher residing,
a gun salute and the playing of Taps. There will be a reception after in
D. C. at my Uncle's residence for those wishing to share stories, and meet
the family. We
would be thrilled to meet you and any of the
crew wishing to join us at Arlington and the reception following. Please
pass this on to your fellow crew members of LST 282. If any wish to contact
me, I'm at [phone # withheld]. I realize this is on a Memorial Day weekend
observed so even now accommodations are limited and there will be a lot
of people in town. I looked forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Lauren Gilbert Baginski (The Skipper's daughter)

Dear Tom,

On behalf of the Gilbert family, it is with sadness
that we report the passing of our grandfather, Lawrence E. Gilbert. "Larry"
Gilbert served as the Lieutenant Commander, Skipper, of LST 282, and enjoyed
recounting his stories of camaraderie with his fellow shipmates. Throughout
the years, it was evident that "Viejo" (as we lovingly referred to him;
"Old Man" in Spanish) was extremely proud to have served his country alongside
a generation of true heroes.

Larry passed away peacefully on November 13, 2002--
his 85th birthday. He enjoyed an eventful, fulfilling life, and lived in
Homestead, FL for the past 11 years. His wife, Grace McGovern Gilbert,
passed away in 1997.

Larry is remembered by his family as a truly heroic
man who enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved sipping his bloody Mary,
telling off-color jokes, and generally entertaining those around him. We
are fortunate enough to have heard some of his stories from his time on
LST 282, and are thrilled to have found your website.

In these times of global uncertainty, it is with
honor that we remember those who so bravely and selflessly defended the
United States and its allies during WWII.

If anyone wishes to contact Larry's children,
Grace, Terry, Michael, and Lauren, we encourage them to do so by writing
to: